How does an unpublished Novice pitch to an established mag? - Freelance UK Forums

waterbaby · 06-29-2007, 11:18 AM

Expert Advice Sought

I have just started writing articles and have approached a magazine with my first one; I am in touch with the right contact, a senior reporter. I am unpublished, so I cannot refer them to my CV/Web of past work.

I emailed a pitch which I consider an unusual take on a common subject, and did not attach the article. Contact said he would send it to the Ed and get in touch when he had heard something, but could more probably get it published on the online site for no fee. Not a prob in my opinion, I just want to get something out there (though cash would be nice).

So my question is: they have no evidence of my writing ability apart from the email pitch, which doesn't reflect the tone of the article...should I come clean with my contact and explain my novice status, and ask what he suggests - ie to send the article to him - or would I be shooting myself in the foot and risk rejection by revealing my minor newbie status? It's only a short article - just under 900 words...

Help appreciated!!!
Thanks!

emired · 07-04-2007, 07:56 PM

I am a relative newbie as well, have a couple of bits and bobs published on debt advice (!) websites of all things. I was once told that it doesnt matter how experienced you are, it's all about the quality of your writing. So no, I wouldnt bother telling them. Obviously if they ask then things might be different, but if they dont ask, there's no reason for you to tell them. Stick to your guns and have faith in your writing ability. Everyone starts somewhere!

Martin · 10-27-2007, 09:12 PM

Develop a back catalogue of work. Publish them on a blog.

This will do two things. 1) Gets you practice. 2) Gets your name out. But under your terms. www.blogger.com is great. It is easy to operate, and they let you put adverts on, too.

Londonfields · 10-31-2007, 10:10 AM

I am surprised you didn't just email the article. When i was an asst. ed on a national paper news desk, we didn't waste much time with newbies offering to write on this or that; the only question was whether they COULD write. As the deputy ed, I was normally the one who glanced down the first few paras of an article submitted by a non-staffer and said 'this is pretty interesting' or 'have a look at this'.

06-29-2007, 11:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
waterbaby New Poster Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1	How does an unpublished Novice pitch to an established mag? Expert Advice Sought I have just started writing articles and have approached a magazine with my first one; I am in touch with the right contact, a senior reporter. I am unpublished, so I cannot refer them to my CV/Web of past work. I emailed a pitch which I consider an unusual take on a common subject, and did not attach the article. Contact said he would send it to the Ed and get in touch when he had heard something, but could more probably get it published on the online site for no fee. Not a prob in my opinion, I just want to get something out there (though cash would be nice). So my question is: they have no evidence of my writing ability apart from the email pitch, which doesn't reflect the tone of the article...should I come clean with my contact and explain my novice status, and ask what he suggests - ie to send the article to him - or would I be shooting myself in the foot and risk rejection by revealing my minor newbie status? It's only a short article - just under 900 words... Help appreciated!!! Thanks! Last edited by waterbaby; 06-29-2007 at 11:21 AM.

10-31-2007, 10:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
Londonfields New Poster Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hackney, London Posts: 2	Unpublished novice... I am surprised you didn't just email the article. When i was an asst. ed on a national paper news desk, we didn't waste much time with newbies offering to write on this or that; the only question was whether they COULD write. As the deputy ed, I was normally the one who glanced down the first few paras of an article submitted by a non-staffer and said 'this is pretty interesting' or 'have a look at this'.

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07-04-2007, 07:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
emired New Poster Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1	I am a relative newbie as well, have a couple of bits and bobs published on debt advice (!) websites of all things. I was once told that it doesnt matter how experienced you are, it's all about the quality of your writing. So no, I wouldnt bother telling them. Obviously if they ask then things might be different, but if they dont ask, there's no reason for you to tell them. Stick to your guns and have faith in your writing ability. Everyone starts somewhere!

10-27-2007, 09:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
Martin New Poster Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 5	Develop a back catalogue of work. Publish them on a blog. This will do two things. 1) Gets you practice. 2) Gets your name out. But under your terms. www.blogger.com is great. It is easy to operate, and they let you put adverts on, too.